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Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology are both private nonprofit institutions — Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA and California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Cambridge, MA · Private
Acceptance rate: 4.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,535
Tuition: $62,396/year
Student-faculty ratio: 3.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.4%
Top programs: Computer science, Engineering, Mathematics
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Cambridge, MA with published program strength in Computer science and Engineering.
Pasadena, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 2.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 987
Tuition: $65,898/year
Student-faculty ratio: 3.0:1
Graduation rate: 94.4%
Top programs: Computer science, Engineering, Physical sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pasadena, CA with published program strength in Computer science and Engineering.
| Factor | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | California Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 4.5% | 2.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1520–1580 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–36 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,535 | 987 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $62,396/year | $65,898/year |
| Average net price after aid | $20,111 | $16,075 |
| Graduation rate | 96.4% | 94.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $143,372 | $128,566 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 3.0:1 | 3.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Cambridge, MA | Pasadena, CA |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Engineering, Mathematics | Computer science, Engineering, Physical sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (4.5% vs 2.6%). California Institute of Technology has a lower average net price after grant aid ($16,075 vs $20,111). Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports the higher graduation rate (96.4% vs 94.4%). Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the larger undergraduate campus (4,535 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Harvard University
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs Amherst College
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Common questions when choosing between Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4.5%; California Institute of Technology is around 2.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology tuition is $62,396/year. California Institute of Technology is $65,898/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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